Internal Bone Fixation Device

Abstract

An internal bone fixation device that includes a support frame that is strong but able to absorb compressive forces and that surrounds a porous architecture that helps facilitate bone fusion.

Description

BACKGROUND INFORMATIONField of the Invention[0001]The present invention relates generally to medical devices and, more specifically, to implants that aid bone fusion in the body.Discussion of Prior Art[0002]Internal bone fixation devices, or implants, are used in humans and animals to support and / or secure the subject's bones. For example, implants are used in the spine to support and / or replace damaged tissue between the vertebrae in the spine. Once implanted between two vertebrae, the implant provides support between the two vertebrae and bone growth takes place around and through the implant to at least partially fuse the two vertebrae for long-term support.[0003]Implants often include relatively large rims comprised of solid material that may cover, for example, 50% of the area that interacts with the endplate. The rim may provide a contact area between the implant and the vertebral end plates. However, these large rims have several drawbacks. For example, large rims often imped...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a design for a thin rim that has strong support and can still flex and absorb forces that are exerted on it when the device in which it is implanted moves. This is achieved by offsetting the struts that connect the layers of the rim, so that one pair of layers is connected by inner rim struts, while the next pair is connected by outer rim struts. This allows for the use of a small rim while still providing a strong frame, and also allows for flexibility or elasticity to absorb the compressive forces that are exerted on it.

Problems solved by technology

However, these large rims have several drawbacks.

For example, large rims often impede bone growth and reduce the size of the bone column fusing the superior and inferior vertebral bodies.

This often increases the pressure on smaller areas of the vertebral endplates and may potentially lead to stress risers in the vertebral endplates.

Further, while bone graft material is often used in conjunction with implants to encourage bone growth, the open column design of implants may reduce the likelihood of bone graft material from securing itself to the implant which may result in a bio-mechanical cooperation that is not conducive to promoting good fusion.

High pressure states, however, may be difficult to create and maintain for the bone graft material in an implant.

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